Proton BLM Step-by-Step Build Up Teaser

I was at the entrance of Cineleisure Mutiara Damansara this evening to watch Proton’s step by step build up teaser for the new Proton Saga replacement model, codenamed the Proton BLM. It was quite an interesting experience.

By the time I arrived the build up had already begun. There was a huge crowd around the demonstration area even though it was raining. I am guessing a baseline car such as the BLM is truly a car everyone has an interest or “stake” in, as potential owners could be any one of us – either for ourselves, our spouses or our children, etc.

The frame you see in these photos is not the actual frame of a car but a special frame prepared by the prototype shop for this teaser demonstration purpose – hence it does not have a roof. The real full monocoque frame will have the roof structure attached to it. The segments painted with yellow in the frame are specific to the crash performance of the car – these were either crumple zones or areas that absorb most of the collision energy.

The Proton assembly engineers did some work on the bare frame, starting off with things like the wheels and the handbrake lever. By the end of the day the result is what you see in these photos. The next build up date is on the 11th of January 2008 at 8pm where more stuff will be added on to the car.

Some details on the specifications of the car is revealed from the frame. We can see the design of the 14 inch alloy wheels which have Silverstone 185/60R14 tyres wrapping them. We can also see the design of the rear suspension which is of a torsion beam setup, similiar to the Proton Savvy. This is natural as the Proton BLM is essentially built on a stretched Proton Savvy platform. The compact design of a torsion beam rear suspension will benefit the boot space – a Proton staff at the teaser demo told me the boot capacity will be in the regions of more than 400 litres.

The Proton BLM will have a wheelbase of 2465mm, which is 70mm longer than the Proton Savvy’s because of the extended platform. The car is 4257mm long. Width has also been increased to 1680mm not inclusive of wing mirrors, compared to the Perodua Myvi’s 1665mm and the Viva’s 1475mm. Front and rear track is 1446mm, 26mm wider than the Savvy’s.

We also got to see the new 1.3 litre Campro engine with the IAFM module in the engine bay of the frame – in this car it was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, but the driveshafts were not connected to the front wheels. The IAFM module is essentially a variable intake geometry system.

No official specs on the engine at the moment, but Proton managing director Syed Zainal himself noted that he had personally test driven the car and throttle response was quite spritely, unlike the lethargic feeling you get at low revs with the original Campro engine.

With all the leaked information, photos and spyshots of the Proton BLM all over the internet, how the new IAFM-equipped Campro engine drives is perhaps the car’s best guarded secret, and one of the most important things about the car.

Proton also aims to sell between 4,500 to 5,000 units of the new Proton BLM every month. The Proton BLM will be launched on the 18th of January 2007. 3,000 bookings for the car have been made since bookings opened on the 1st this month.

More parts will be added to the build-up demo frame on the 11th of January 2008 at 8pm, so expect another update after that time!

All photos from the build-up session with more detail as well as a price list after the jump.Click to enlarge

Click the above pricelist to enlarge it. It shows the various Proton BLM variants, which right now consist of the N-Line, B-Line and the M-Line as well as tentative prices.

Click to enlarge

An assembly line engineer fitting on the 7-spoke 14 inch alloy wheels. 14 inchers means less tyre replacement cost, and some fuel economy improvements as its logical for a 14 inch wheel and tyre to be lighter than larger ones.

Click to enlarge

This photo is specially for certain readers – it shows Proton did not just weld on a butt to the Savvy platform, but properly re-engineered it. According to a Proton engineer, the Proton BLM has been designed to accomodate an NGV system for taxi usage without compromising too much boot space.

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.

This photo is specially for certain readers – it shows Proton did not just weld on a butt to the Savvy platform, but properly re-engineered it.
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1st to comment, so it is not “butt job aka kerja punggung”, but proper engineer term is “re-engineered”! Good job!

at least..we can see that its not easy to make and assemble car..
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But I can assemble the 4 tyre! He, he, he, ….. difficult yet I also can act like “engineer” to fix the wheel with cordless Bosch tool in demonstration.

Good,the steering is now looks like neo’s, not savvy or gen2’s, i believe this car can be a good restart for proton, new SAGA begins…again :) I’m happy with proton, but they cant stop, and please dnt maintain the speed, run faster in research will bring proton better tomorrow

wow, if they do free 42″ LCD gift away, it would be great news for kampong area! -.- can u imagine kampong house with TV bigger than ur average crt cheap TV?tat would make them proud by buying the car ;)

No official specs on the engine at the moment, but Proton managing director Syed Zainal himself noted that he had personally test driven the car and throttle response was quite spritely, unlike the lethargic feeling you get at low revs with the original Campro engine.

it seems the spark plug cable hav sensors for each spark plug…very different to the original campro…using the waja campro airbox design rather than the one in gen2….i tell u wat…thrts a very clever marketing team behind this build up campaign…..

yeah, the insurance sums is higher from b-line to m-line model. i believe it is typo made by the proton representative named Wilson lee. i believe it is for persona model price list. i also had the price list since ive already booked the car however the sum value is in correct value and not like Wilson’s one.

Hi guys and Hi Paul….
Sorry for being gone missing for quite some time. I have driven the car and i can say that i totally agree with Syed Zainal. For everybodys info, the benchmark for BLM in terms of engine performance was the ever famous VIOS. I stress here that proton uses it as a BENCHMARK ONLY. I am not suggesting that it is better then vios in terms of engine performance, but its for all of you to judge. Personally i think its on par and better then VIOS in certain aspects. In terms of low end torque and response, the BLM is VERY RESPONSIVE and ‘TORQKY’. Thanks to its IAFM module and new transsmission set up. the manual version uses the Achikikai (AK) Nissan five speed transmission where the gear ratio for the first and second gear is much better compared to the previous Mitsu’s. The AT is from Mistu, but an upgraded version where there ratios are much better and a better TCU mapping is used. Wat i can say, BLM has the ‘KICK’ or PICK UP that VIOS has in the low end and also the power in the high end range (above 3800 rpm) which the VIOS lacks. Thx to the IAFM! For everyones knowledge the IAFM is different from the VIM. VIM is ONLY used together with the 1.6 CPS Campro engine. The difference between VIM and IAFM is the geometry is slightlt different and the working mechanism for both is different. The IAFM uses a vacum solenoid to SWITCH BETWEEN the LONG-RUNNER and SHORT-RUNNER whereas the VIM uses a motorised actuator. The IAFM SWITCHES FROM long runner to short runner at APPROX 3800 rpm. Hope u guys appreaciate wat proton has done and also my info. Cheers!!!

Hi Guys and Hi to Paul.
I totally agree with Syed Zainalâ€™s comments. I have driven the car and I can say the car was LIVELY. Just some info on the engine performance of BLM, the BLM uses the IAFM (as everyone knows) and an upgraded transmission. The manual version uses NISSANâ€™S ACHIKIKAI 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION. This trans has BETTER FIRST AND SECOND GEAR RATIOS compared to the previous Mitsuâ€™s trans. The AT version uses the MITSU TRANS BUT AN UPGRADED ONE WHERE IT HAS BETTER GEAR RATIOS OVERALL AND THE LATEST TCU MAPPING. For everyoneâ€™s info, BLMâ€™s BENCHMARK IN TERMS OF ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS THE EVER FAMOUS VIOS. As we know, VIOS has great low end torque and itâ€™s a great city driving car. Proton has made the BLM similar, where it HAS GREAT LOW END TORQUE AND â€˜PICK UPâ€™ (THX TO IAFM) AND GREAT POWER AND TORQUE IN THE HIGH ENDâ€™S (THX TO THE IAFM TOO). I can say in terms of HIGH END, THE BLM ENGINE PERFORMANCE IS BETTER THAN THE VIOS. However Iâ€™ll leave this perception of mine to be judged by u guys once the car is launched and test driven. Just a little bit info on the IAFM, the IAFM IS NOT SAME WITH VIM. VIM IS ONLY USED IN THE 1.6 CPS CAMPRO ENGINE. The DIFFERENCE between both of them is their GEOMETRY AND WORKING MECHANISMS. The IAFM HAS A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT GEOMETRY COMPARED TO VIM AND IT SWITCHES FROM LONG RUNNER TO SHORT RUNNER VIA A VACUUM SOLENOID. VIM however uses an ACTUATOR TO FUNCTION. The IAFM SWITCHES FROM LONG RUNNER TO SHORT RUNNER AT APPROX 3800 RPM. I hope my info is useful for u guys out there to understand the car better. Cheers!!!

According to a Proton engineer, the Proton BLM has been designed to accomodate an NGV system for taxi usage without compromising too much boot space.
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this is interesting. NGV for the masses?

NGV conversion isnt expensive but most ppl dont use it because the boot becomes quite useless after teh huge tanks are stuck in place.

Hi Guys and Hi to Paul.
I totally agree with Syed Zainalâ€™s comments. I have driven the car and I can say the car was LIVELY. Just some info on the engine performance of BLM, the BLM uses the IAFM (as everyone knows) and an upgraded transmission. The manual version uses NISSANâ€™S ACHIKIKAI 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION. This trans has BETTER FIRST AND SECOND GEAR RATIOS compared to the previous Mitsuâ€™s trans. The AT version uses the MITSU TRANS BUT AN UPGRADED ONE WHERE IT HAS BETTER GEAR RATIOS OVERALL AND THE LATEST TCU MAPPING. For everyoneâ€™s info, BLMâ€™s BENCHMARK IN TERMS OF ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS THE EVER FAMOUS VIOS. As we know, VIOS has great low end torque and itâ€™s a great city driving car. Proton has made the BLM similar, where it HAS GREAT LOW END TORQUE AND â€˜PICK UPâ€™ (THX TO IAFM) AND GREAT POWER AND TORQUE IN THE HIGH ENDâ€™S (THX TO THE IAFM TOO). I can say in terms of HIGH END, THE BLM ENGINE PERFORMANCE IS BETTER THAN THE VIOS. However Iâ€™ll leave this perception of mine to be judged by u guys once the car is launched and test driven. Just a little bit info on the IAFM, the IAFM IS NOT SAME WITH VIM. VIM IS ONLY USED IN THE 1.6 CPS CAMPRO ENGINE. The DIFFERENCE between both of them is their GEOMETRY AND WORKING MECHANISMS. The IAFM HAS A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT GEOMETRY COMPARED TO VIM AND IT SWITCHES FROM LONG RUNNER TO SHORT RUNNER VIA A VACUUM SOLENOID. VIM however uses an ACTUATOR TO FUNCTION. The IAFM SWITCHES FROM LONG RUNNER TO SHORT RUNNER AT APPROX 3800 RPM. I hope my info is useful for u guys out there to understand the car better. Cheers!!!

excellent! Kudos to Proton for finally retiring the saga with this replacement model. however, i reserve my praise for their aftersales support and quality of the final car. only time will tell if that has improved.

a very good marketing strategy to lure ppl into this kind of demo.
since the price is the cheapest around, its been the talk of the town.
hopefully proton is already making huge number of cars to cope with the surging demand and not let buyers wait too long for their rides.

si-fu: so youâ€™re saying the manual transmission for this car uses an Aichi Kikai gearbox and not the old Mitsubishi gearbox? Aichi Kikai supplied the new twin clutch automatic in the Nissan GT-R.

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Well, IMHO what Si-Fu says is probably true, since the Savvy platform originates from the prev. generation Renault Clio, which accomodates Renault-sourced gearboxes. Nissan is part of Renault, and I’m not sure if they also supplied gearboxes for the latter. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Wah, very interesting news with this BLM, aichi kikai transmission and of course consumer oriented price. I can say that Proton did a very good marketing job. Its not only attract people or buyer-to-be, but it sparks interest on the automotif engineering side which perhaps youngster can dream to be automotif engineer. Looks very interesting.

thanks for clarifying the diff btwn iafm and vim sifu..and also all those extra infos on this model..is proton going to make the same approach as honda that is to put iafm for low FC models =iDSI, and VIM+CPS for high performance models = VTEC???just wondering though…

si-fu: so youâ€™re saying the manual transmission for this car uses an Aichi Kikai gearbox and not the old Mitsubishi gearbox? Aichi Kikai supplied the new twin clutch automatic in the Nissan GT-R.

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Well, IMHO what Si-Fu says is probably true, since the Savvy platform originates from the prev. generation Renault Clio, which accomodates Renault-sourced gearboxes. Nissan is part of Renault, and Iâ€™m not sure if they also supplied gearboxes for the latter. Correct me if Iâ€™m wrong.

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That would explain some AMT mechanisms on Savvy are sourced from Jap instead of Franch.

Also that the front stabilizer bar is of direct acting design (connected to the shock absorber body), unlike most small cars which have the stabilizer bar connected to the lower control arm. This makes for a better stabilizer bar to wheel motion ratio.

for IDSI 8valve engine, its economy because the engine was design to extract torque as low as 2000 by having 1 intake valve and 2 plug sequentially fires at lower rpm for thorough combustion,

for campro the approach is having normally16 valve but the intake is tuned to have a character of a 1 valve intake which also swirls air batter for batter combustion,
and to answer to dual plug of the IDSI ,the campro have individual coil each plug which is having greater spark (25 to 30 percent batter spark than pack arrengement) ignition to have a thorough combustion at low rpm in extracting torque,

wah wut si-fu said about this BLM is so promising…sound like it will be a very good car…hope it was true and the car serve malaysian well.hope the quality of the car is good and hope quality prob about p1 before this is become history.

This photo is specially for certain readers – it shows Proton did not just weld on a butt to the Savvy platform, but properly re-engineered it.
â€”â€”â€”
1st to comment, so it is not â€œbutt job aka kerja punggungâ€, but proper engineer term is â€œre-engineeredâ€! Good job!

Guys correct me if i’m wrong.
The sum insured should be at least the same as total amount of the loan.
the car price maybe 37k but when u add in interest from bank. it will be up to 53k for ur total repayment. so, it should be insured for 53k lar.

It’s going to be wider than MYVI so that spacious enough…plus a 400 liter boot is pretty good – it’s hilarious watching people trying to squeeze their weekend grocery shopping from Carrfour into their MYVIs ;)

the rear suspension same as savvy ?? but the engine 1.3 campro look nice .. how is the FC of the engine ?? it is they showing what’s meterial they r using ?? haha … hope no more milo tin … GOA body !! hehe 1.3 manual 31k ?? but the old saga also 30k … but something wrong with insurance sum ?? 39k cover with 50k !!! P2 have to plan for new price for viva i think …

Just like the Yaris/Vios, proton seems to be moving at the right direction albeit at least one generation later than the major players. I have always believed that this is what Proton needs to do to cut costs, increase their targeted market but at affordable price.

These days the rakyat are squeezed very badly. This, like the Myvi, might just be the saviour of the rakyat.

I think their price list has a typo-error or the sales person n their manager overlooked.Or they wanna mark-up the sum insurred to make their own revenue. So proton marketing people should look to this as a seroius matter.

For Paul’s Question:
YES! Paul, the manual transmission of the BLM is from AichiKikai (AK), becuase of that, BLM has the ‘kick’ in the low ends. Only the AT uses the trans from Mitsu, but an upgraded one where it has better gear ratios overall. The manual trans from AK is similar to the one used in Nissan Sunny, but of course this the LATEST VERSION of it.

For Afroiq Question:
I can that this BLM has more ‘KICK’ then the Waja Mitsu. As we know the Waja Mitsu ‘suffered’ a bit in the low ends due to the trans and weight of the car.

For yippi33 Question:
Proton is planning to make IAFM standard on all production cars soon. That means that all models that uses the Campro 1.6 and 1.3 engine in the future will have the IAFM as standard. Currently the CAMPRO CPS which is only available in 1.6 WILL BE ONLY USED in the Gen-2 Facelift and Waja Facelift MC-3. This two model will be launched soon in the local market. Proton is currently working on a ‘NEW VERSION’ of the Campro engine to be used in the MPV project and most probably in the Satria Neo GTI project. Just to tease u guys, :-p…the “NEW VERSION’ of the Campro engine will have about 170HP!!! Have a Gud Day and Cheers!!!

CAMPRO engine is quite powerful. So, car must be fit with more safety feature such as airbag, ABS+EBD+BA, some crumple zone. In other words, SAFETY first. Price off course need to be cheap, because we need to pay higher petrol later. Then, the engine should be design for fuel effeciency, so that I can go to cameron highland always, with less petrol.
Trunk space must be large, so that my wife can put a lot of orchids (buying at cameron highland). Then going back time (cruise down hill) can off engine but still can control the stearing. The roof should put solar cells to generate electricity for light, fans and CD Player. This type of car design is very economical. Anyone from P1 can use my ideas so that the car can be sold like hot pisang goreng. Go luck.

interesting to note so many updates on the cosmetic of the engine….
plastic intake manifold…
RESIN valve covers!!!
and the individual spark plugs controller (no sotong distributor la…) like what Proton GL mentioned..

Honda did make a big deal about having its latest L series engines having plastic/resin valve cover…so im mightily impressed that proton managed to do this too… apparently even in the SOHC L series, honda claimed to save about 1kg weight….so with a twin cam arrangement, could even save more weight.

having said that… this could just a ‘fake’ engine with plastic top to con all of us… :)

si-fu, from what u mentioned about IAFM n VIM, they seem to work in the same principle (2 different length of runners) for flatter torque curve.
thanks for the info anyway. just hope it doesnt fail….

Guys! I am currently owning a Waja Campro for about 1 year. Quite like it so far. But just don’t like the low end torque lar! Can I actually send it to be fixed with a IAFM since it is still a campro engine. I get really frustrated particularly when the RPM is just above 1000 and on an up slope. Can do any modifications ar?
Si-fu, Paul, anybody: can comment on this?

Got no ABS? Hm……even wit the M-line, there’s still quite a number of niceties missing…..which makes me wonder, will they make a H-line version say…..in the next 6-months? They can price it just a few thousand short of the H-line Savvy, n I think ppl will pay for it. I would.

But I’ve been fine driving my 17-yr-old Saga wit no ABS or airbag. So long the driver is disciplined and alert, crashes can be avoided. I’ve driven while sleepy and tired before, and I can definitely say, if ever I crashed, no amount of airbags or super-duper-ultimate-omega ABS can save me. Safety is ALWAYS more about the DRIVER rather than the car. Since then, I’ve been more careful n would stop by to rest when I feel tired before getting behind the wheels. Accidents happen and -may sound cliche, sorry- unavoidable cuz it’s God’s willing, but crashes, CAN be avoided.

So stop blaming until the cows return, start by changing yourself on how you drive and always make sure the car is in tip-top condition before each trip. Safety feature is always nice, but don’t ever be disillusioned into thinking “I’m weaving around 3 different lanes like a lunatic without signalling but it’s ok, cuz I hv airbags n ABS, so I won’t die”.

Yes driving safely and alertly is of the highest importance, but at the same time don’t be disillusioned into thinking “I’m a careful driver so I don’t need safety features.” You can be very careful but still be hit by someone else, or make a momentary mistake.

Itâ€™s going to be wider than MYVI so that spacious enoughâ€¦plus a 400 liter boot is pretty good – itâ€™s hilarious watching people trying to squeeze their weekend grocery shopping from Carrfour into their MYVIs

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dats right…this car got a decent boot not like myvi’s pathetic 200 litre boot space that even p2 is so ashamed of that they hide it /deleted it from the spec sheet.

Modifications can be done on ur Waja Campro, but sorry to say it gonna cost u a bomb. The reason is because, when u fit in the new IAFM module, u need to change the sub harness (wiring) for the engine so that the IAFM module can receive signal from the ECU. Then, u need to change the ECU it self because it uses a totally new mapping. Then another thing which many ppl dont know, when the IAFM and VIM was designed, the starter motor had to be changed to a smaller one because of space constrains. So if u fix IAFM, u need to change the starter motor too. So if u do all this, its gonna cost u alot but however i would remind u, its not possible because this type of convertion is quite commonly done in Proton R&D for testing purposes. Hope this info helped u. Cheers!!!

p/s – The new starter motor gives a good sound while starting, similar to Japenese cars like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. This is solely based on my opinion!

yeah well 3 billion worth of investment went down the drain (VW goes to thailand or indo post) they better buck up with more blm type hard work… wonder if the persona will get this engine upgrade too….

There should be a horizontal beam in this picture just like the one found in Savvy. (There is rear beam as well behind the rear plastic bumper and BLM should have this as minimum safety requirement).

Collision bar/front bumper beam in front of the radiator.
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Yes. Actually, I wanted to ask Paul regarding the “REAL SAFETY STRUCTURE” not only on this new Proton Saga, but also Satria Neo and Persona. Do they have horizontal beam across the front and rear which located at the bumpers area?

Besides that, I thought there should be a vertical safety beam at each side of the car structure which is located at front (just behind / next to the front to the rear wheel, which is actually attach/welded together with 2 middle horizontal beam as shown by Paul). – Sorry, don’t know how to attached the image which I can highlight. Is that it?

How about the roof beam located horizontally? Not the one from A Pillar to C Pillar as I can say that is Vertical location. Satria Neo and Persona got that?

The Viva’s front horizontal safety beam is so much smaller than the Myvi’s.

I just curious to know those information. Thanks if someone can tell me about it.

I believe they have to use a new starter motor not originally because of space constraint. The supplier of the inlet manifold purposely create the space constraint issue so that they can grab the opportunity to wrest the supply of the starter from APMAE. However, they lost the bid because APMAE counterattack quickly by designing a smaller starter, hence defeating their newly proposed starter.

Good job proton, when the people angry with your way of marketing, proton know their strategy works! Malaysian people that condemn proton actually proud of it, n plus some of ‘dengki’ for their good job …isn’t it? :)

So what is the wieght of this BLM? Persona utilize Gen-2 body in B-segment is around 1.20 tonne compare to same segment Vios around 1.0 tonne. I hope BLM shall be around 1.0 Tonne or less since it is also in B-segment.

Aiye..before BLM launch, already being speculated even nobody, except some expert or maybe test-driver, has even touch it or drive it. Proton should reveal it fast, donâ€™t let us waiting too long.
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1. Speculated date for launch is 11 Jan 08. It is obvious now the earliest date shall be at least 17 Jan 08 or beyond. Delay in launching is the “trademark” of P1, it may be due to “some last minute nitty-gritty on the car”, or they can’t get appointment with PM to rasmi BLM on 11 Jan 08.

2. Proton should reveal fast? If they are fast, it shall be done in 1990 (5 year cycle for new model), not 2008.

“As usual, there are load of supporters and blind defenders give all kind of congratulatory and patriotic statement!

Booking-here-and-there few K within few weeks, but when come to actual register on the road, it may 50% of the booking figure only.”

So what are you? You simply make statements like “it’s not going to be spacious” and so on when you yourself haven’t been inside it. When it’s pointed out that it’s wider than the Myvi you move into another line..So people who book the car will change their minds? What basis do you have for saying this? So of people like the car they are blind supporters? What about you? Trying to twist and turn, start by saying it’s just a Savvy with a butt job, but when Paul pointed that it’s not you say it’s just changing of terms to ‘re-enginered’ only. Never mind that it’s longer with longer wheelbase, wider, has a different engine bay (campro won’t fit the Savvy) with different engine and gearbox.

Dude, watching these guys at work is like watching American Hot Rod on DRT. Putting the pieces together like that. Making the thing turn part by part into a 550horses mean musclecar dragster thingy. Izzat Chip Foose in the Proton jumper…? Hic.. Somebody make this into a reality show. Include the ‘almost deadline and suddenly crap happens’ part too. Hakahaks ahaks..

On 1st Jan when I heard this new model will be launch by proton, I went to their showroom and they said waiting period about 2-4 mth. I wonder what ie the waiting period after read at metro P1 already got booking 5k until now.

May be Bigfish already booked one..hehehe
What is P1 capacity for this model?

BigFish….
u think other carmaker doesn’t facing deficit as well?maybe u’ll be shocked to know that the one i mentioned is actually MERCEDEZ.please read readers digest december issue(or nov issue-i forgot) about how mercedez had been toppled its CEO in 2006 because of problematic parts and electronic and SEVERAL models.in 2006, they experienced their first deficit instead of profit(same as proton right-deficit)…so pleaseeeeeeee dont think only proton having this kind of shit.afterall, i confident this BLM will exceed in term of quality.besides,mercedez is one of the oldest carmaker in the world….u dont know this because u’r not using new mercedez especially W211(E class) model.additionally,im also know about this with added fact that my mom’s friends is using that E200K year 2005 which she had sent it back for recall…

May be Bigfish already booked one..hehehe
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This may take place only after go to showroom to see the BLM and check-touch-knock-press all over with “engineer-precision”, look at the spaciousness, build quality, bang the door hard (shall sound “thub”), consistent gap between door & body, big glove box, etc. This is also book on behalf of my friend, not me. Me will book Hilux and smoke out all these “small lawnmover on the road”.

Mr Big Fish, i dont know who you are but its very obvious that u are an EMPTY GONG THAT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE!

1) There is NO OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM PROTON telling that its gonna be launched on the 11th or 18th….So dont blame Proton for that! The only official statement from Proton regarding the lauching is that they gonna launch mid January, mid January can be the 15th, 16th, only they know when it is. So why not U just wait QUIETLY!

2) If u wan a car every 5 years, or every 5 months, why not U BUILD IT YOURSELF! Nobody is stopping you from doing that! If you cant build your own self, then you should just APPREACIATE, or give CONSTRUCTIVE comments when OTHER PEOPLE BUILDS IT!

BigFish….
i dont know about u but i think u r not as good as u think..please read readers digest december issue(or nov issue-i forgot which one)about MERCEDEZ parts & electronics quality issue(& it happens on several models).they actually facing deficit 1st time-instead of profits, at 2005 before they replaced their CEO in 2006.well,i dont need to talk further more since u’ll understand more if u read the book.i just wanna say proton problem is not unique & can happen to any carmaker(mercedez itself is one of the oldest carmaker & can i say one of the prestigous?).maybe u dont know about this since u dont owned a brand new mercedez.u should ask those morcedez owners also,are they satisfied with their car?additionally, my friend’s mom also using E200K year 2005 & she also complaining about her car.Have u open a website called wreckedexotics.com?it shows that brand new ferrari 599GTB caught fire because of its wiring fault?& also featured new lamborghini murcielago LP640 that also having the same wiring problem(or engine overheated,i dunno)..

Bigfish,
you should stop speculating already la. you are starting to sound more and more ridiculous everyday.

you continue to make a big deal of your own speculation that proton will launch 11th, but if proton announces its 18th, you say proton is late. but proton never announced the launch as 11th, thats purely speculation with no proof at all. so how can you say proton is late?

“2. Proton should reveal fast? If they are fast, it shall be done in 1990 (5 year cycle for new model), not 2008.”
you should be judging proton based on current performance and what the new management is doing during the time they have taken over. what has 1990 to do with today? and where did you get your “5 year cycle” for new models? are you a car manufacturer?? most cars out there today work on a 7 year or more schedule. yes. proton has been late in the past, but i think you have to judge based on today’s context. but if you want to look at history, 2005= savvy, 2006 =neo, 2007= persona, 2008= BLM.. 2009=mpv? thats not too bad actually.

Sifu,
thanks for the advice! Just not my luck though… anyway would it be at least do some tuning to the ECU to improve the torque a bit. Is it possible. Can I do it now? Will it void the warranty? Where should I get it done?

let big fish become big fish talk big but meaningless talk so many but pointless…this guy is very proud when getting negative attention from all of you…nothing is good from p1 for him … just ignore him,he will never shut his big mouth like a bass fish and lets wait for this new baby born…if its good praise it with honesty but if its not critic it with constructive critics ok.

Bro, this is new car for all the fans out there since the butt job car… I mean reengineering job. This is the moment to be proud of in a while. Negative critisicm despite constructive or not are evilish. You will be called names. I suggest you stick with positve speculation comment rather than negative constructive comment.

Anyway, the marketing gimmick is powerful! Can’t wait to see the end thing. Even the pathetic good sellling car of the year Myvi don’t have such marketing gimmick. Way to go proton. Hidup proton. This is a positve comment…just in case you don’t know… :-)

I hope his new Hilux got stolen on the 1st night of delivery.
By the way, Hilux is the worst 4X4 pickup you can get on the market now, in terms of looks power comfortability and such and so on.
So actually he’s not that neither smart nor clever. Haha!

lol…. last time littlefire85 kena sound, now bigfish turn. are u guys sibling or what?

sorry for being OT, anyway, let him be him but i believe not him only needed to be warned. i also don’t like short pointless comment posted either positive or negative. wasting time to read.

back to topic, according to sifu statement, i think the blm will no longer sound like proton gen2 1.3L campro since the starter sounded more japanese and the improved version of campro engine will sounded differently than current campro.

sifu, this 1.3L IAFM campro is 94hp or 98hp rated engine?? im confused now. my friend told me it is 98hp due to IAFM and 94hp for normal 1.3L campro. 98hp is so big that it almost mathched 1.5L toyota, nissan engine.

I agree with many of you, namely few latest post here such as gonggok, BanyakMasukWorkshop, chap_de_x and nocrid.

To BanyakMasukWorkshop, based on Proton’s plans, Proton will launches the MPV and also Perdana replacement model in 2009. This year, I hope they will launch the Gen.2 CPS and Waja CPS…. I don’t mind they delay Satria Neo facelift or even the GTi models. For now, Proton needs models which can generate more profits to the company.

To BigFish. I don’t care you call me “cocky parrot” or whats so ever as you don’t feel sorry because you don’t know me and LUCKILY I DON’T KNOW YOU EITHER. When the BLM spy pictures with minimal disguise speculated on the Internet including in Paul Tan’s Blog, people who seen the picture already knows this is NOT SAVVY WITH BUTT JOB. However, you still say it is. Proton doesn’t and never say they will launch the car on 11 January 2008. Proton only say this model will be launch in middle of this month. You were the one speculate the rumors about the launch date. Now, you say Proton delay again……as usual. Bla bla bla…..

You don’t agree with people but you want all of us here to agree with you? Who are you anyway? If you want to buy Toyota Hilux, buy lah and smoke out all these â€œsmall lawnmover on the roadâ€. I like to see those MINI, SMARTFORTWO, MERCEDES BENZ SLK which are consider SMALL to smoke you out.

BigFish, you have been put on moderation because of repeat offences even though you have already been banned once before. Any comments you post will first have to be approved by me.

You are welcome to criticize all you want but please criticize constructively based on FACTS instead of speculation. Criticize the car and the car company, NOT fellow readers who have the right to their own opinion.

I do not want to get a call one day from some lawyer requesting for your IP address so they are able to track you down and sue you for defamation.

If you behave properly for 2 weeks, I will remove the moderation on your nickname.

May be Bigfish already booked one..hehehe
â€”â€”â€”â€”â€“
This may take place only after go to showroom to see the BLM and check-touch-knock-press all over with â€œengineer-precisionâ€, look at the spaciousness, build quality, bang the door hard (shall sound â€œthubâ€), consistent gap between door & body, big glove box, etc. This is also book on behalf of my friend, not me. Me will book Hilux and smoke out all these â€œsmall lawnmover on the roadâ€.
—————————————————————-
Hilux is not a car… it is a PICK UP… different class Maaa….

i think this proton’s marketing strategy is good…. at my opinion, proton not just want to sell this car, but it will attracts peoples especially kids to see how cars is made… and proton give the excited’s mood for ours as a customers.. this is a good strategy.. so.. who says proton didn’t have any fresh ideas..?? now proton is prove it..

To Paul Tan and all fellow bloggers, with my honesty, if my comments are deem unnecessary and un-constructive, I offer my apologize and the only thing I have to do is to imporve myself by coming out more relevant and constructive comments.

To Engtia’s Question:
Sorry to say again, the ECU (from SIEMENS VDO) that Proton uses cannot be altered even by Proton Engineers. The type of ECU that is used in production cars in Proton are production ECU’s. This ECU, once the mapping is flashed on to it, its permanent. So there is no possible way of changing the mapping or using a piggy back ECU. However, there are some claims from local aftermarket tuners that they can remap the ECU. Maybe u should hunt for them and see what they can do. But once the ECU is modified or ‘disturbed’ the warranty voids. For testing and calibration purposes, there are another 2 (Series and Application) types of ECU that Proton has. This ECU can be remapped as many times as you want but its not for commercial purposes.

For Nanashisan Question:
Proton’s 1.3L Campro (S4PE) only produces 94bhp. IAFM DOESN’T INCREASE the hp of the engine. It ONLY helps in the torque of the engine. The Campro (1.6L and 1.3L) basically was designed to be a high powered engine, so in that case the low end torque was sacrificed (there was a torque dip in the low end region aprrox at 1000rpm – 3000rpm). In order to overcome that problem, IAFM and VIM is used to get a better and smoother torque curve (the torque dip was removed and high torque at low end region approx at 1000rpm – 3000rpm). For hp and torque comparison:-

I hope his new Hilux got stolen on the 1st night of delivery.
By the way, Hilux is the worst 4X4 pickup you can get on the market now, in terms of looks power comfortability and such and so on.
So actually heâ€™s not that neither smart nor clever. Haha!

_________

exactly, it only shows how shallow is his knowledege of cars.
Hilux = low power, high FC , high price in 4×4 pickup category

You sure know a lot about CamPro IAFM. Tell me, is the rattling problem caused when IAFM flap hit the PA66GF35% runner has been solved permanently? Don’t tell me the engine still sound like a diesel engine. Clank, clank, clank.

Yes driving safely and alertly is of the highest importance, but at the same time donâ€™t be disillusioned into thinking â€œIâ€™m a careful driver so I donâ€™t need safety features.â€ You can be very careful but still be hit by someone else, or make a momentary mistake.
——————-
>>>Nonono, I’ve never been against putting safety features, it’s just that if it can’t be provided, some kind of makeshift have to be equipped: the driver. The driver would hv to improve his driving skill. I’d rather advice ppl to be a better driver than rant how socially irresponsible some car manufacturers can be.

Besides, your example can be considered as an accident, which I put as “unavoidable” and “God’s willing”, it is outside your range of capabilities. Mistakes happen, but if you nvr learn from it, how wasteful is that? I’ll owe up that I used to scratch someone’s car while reversing AND answering a phone call, so I learnt an expensive lesson (the owner was there, so I had to compensate him RM250 on the spot for cost of ketuk n paint T.T), so if I do the same mistake, then I hv no one to blame except for myself.

Then there’s crashes, which are some obvious faults avoidable: not wearing seatbelt, not giving signal, high beam other vehicles, never replace botak tyres, never service brake, etc. Get my drift? Before one starts blaming others for being cheapskate enough to not give ABS n twin airbags, one should “ukur baju di badan sendiri dulu”. Islam also teach its worshippers to “berusaha sedaya upaya sebelum serahkan kepada Tuhan untuk menentukan usaha kita”.

Besides, one can always get the Persona H-line if they are that desperate for twin airbags n ABS.

Hilux is the best seller truck last Nov wit 9962 units. Even Honda City can oni sell 8965 units!!

Before u start thinking anything weird, no, I dun like it either. The last time I read Autocar, Hilux was pretty expensive, which puzzled me why ppl want to pay so much for it. If ever, I think Ford Ranger is the best truck overall wit an attractive price tag in comparison to its rivals. I think Triton is more expensive than Ranger, but at least Triton is better than Hilux.

Back in 2004, I remember Merc used to make a major recall to E-class W211, Maybach and some other models that come with their sensotronic electronic brake apa ke benda ntah org German ni bagi nama pelik2. I’d always thought Merc was a bit too ambitious wit their electronic brake sensor on the pedal rather than the conventional hydraulic on most other cars basically. Not oni it’s complicated wit fragile electronics, it also lacks brake feel when u press the pedal. Just like how power steering kills the steering feel we used to experience in a Kancil (Iswara for some ppl) when getting our license. Worse still, it failed. Merc not oni lost millions (or billions) wit that recall, it also lost the reputation they’re trying to build back of how they used to be very reliable. I guess the Mercedes engineers hv been playing too much PS2, they’d thought it’ll work for a REAL car in the REAL world, lol. How wrong they were.

Even Germans make mistake. The grass will always be greener on the other side, but I guess “hujan batu di negeri sendiri” is always better.

I hv an interesting article about supercars, I guess it can correct the people’s perception about Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche etcetcetc:
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/news/article1358351.ece

Heh. Think supercars are created by God? Think again……no means to insult the supercars, but just as a warning that good things come with a price. A very, very expensive price. And it’s not just the money as the price tag, if you get what I mean.

I always thought that u were from Powertrain Dept, but i guess if u r from there, u wouldn’t be asking that question rite…hehehehehehe. But for sure i know u r from Proton R&D! :-p

The was no rattling, just the flap switching sound. The problem has been rectified by putting dampers on the flaps. It helps in dampening the sound, however it doesn’t eliminates it 100%. We should keep in mind that the flap switches at arnd 3800rpm. The sound is only prominent, when the car is stationary, and rammed up to arnd 4000rpm, with the front lid open. With the dampers, and the car stationary, and the front lid closed, the sound couldn’t be heard at all, from outside as well inside the cabin. So i guess the problem is solved. I dont think anybody is gonna wind down their window, jont their head out, and listen when the car is moving at 4000rpm….hehehehe.
Cheers!

Hello tokmoh, nice to hear from you. Busy is good as long as not too stress. Agree with you and thank for some info and the news. Yes, I didn’t read few accident involved supercar and the driver and occupants died inside such as burned to death etc.

Sorry typing error. My sentence Yes, I DIDN’T read few accident involved supercar and the driver and occupants died inside such as burned to death etc should be read as Yes, I DID read few accident involved supercar and the driver and occupants died inside such as burned to death etc.

We should be proud of Proton achievement lately. The quality level is much improved. Looking at Persona acceptance by our Malaysians, definately this BLM will also receive the same result. However, in order to maintain trust from people, after sales service is very improtant. The customer service must handle delicately all customers’ voices.

Yes but seeing how you agree that accidents are inevitable no matter the driver, wouldn’t you want a new car you bought to have the most safety features possible? Bad/unsafe drivers will always exist unfortunately, but what about the good/conservative drivers who also find themselves in accidents? I’m sure they’d rather have airbags than your idioms in the split second before impact.

And why do “anti-airbag” people always say to just buy (more expensive model/mercedes/whatever) if you want safety? the whole point is that people in other countries don’t have to! it is included, for the same price or LESS than what you pay here. Are foreign lives worth more than yours and your family?

Why not be for both better driving AND safer cars when all else fails? The two aren’t mutually exclusive, you know.

A relative of mine who’s also working with P1 told me that the new MPV is undergoing lots of testing on P1 oval track, with tons of electronic sensor equipments attached to its body. But he mention that it will be small sized, like the Hyundai Matrix. Since he’s not R&D staff, he never had the chance to see it close, only from far away. Just to confirm from you whether that’s right? (Just on the size)

About the Waja MC-3, I remember reading it from a local daily more than a year ago (yess its quite long time already) where Datuk SZ revealed that its engine will be a supercharged one with technical assistance by Bosch. A supercharged campro CPS? How true is that report?

By the way, I thought the Waja is to be retired. 7 years in the market, and it is in the same market segment as the Persona.

===================
si-fu said,
January 7, 2008 @ 5:49 pm

Hi Guys and Hi to Paul.
Thx everyone for reading my comment.

For yippi33 Question:
Proton is planning to make IAFM standard on all production cars soon. That means that all models that uses the Campro 1.6 and 1.3 engine in the future will have the IAFM as standard. Currently the CAMPRO CPS which is only available in 1.6 WILL BE ONLY USED in the Gen-2 Facelift and Waja Facelift MC-3. This two model will be launched soon in the local market. Proton is currently working on a â€˜NEW VERSIONâ€™ of the Campro engine to be used in the MPV project and most probably in the Satria Neo GTI project. Just to tease u guys, :-pâ€¦the â€œNEW VERSIONâ€™ of the Campro engine will have about 170HP!!! Have a Gud Day and Cheers!!!

Ain’t the GTi name been around for a looooong time? Besides, Peugeot oso got 206 GTi I think. Takkan the VW be soooo greedy wanna trademark the name oni to themselves? Unless other car manufacturer oso name their models Golf GTi la.

I think it shoudn’t be the size of Matrix as I read somewhere, its a seven seater full size mpv with the third row seats can fit 2 adults comfortably. Based from this, the seats configuration should be 2+3+2 which is the same as typical low roof-line type mpv such as wish, stream and grand livina. If its an 8-seater mpv, then the shape should be as the high roof-line type mpv such as innova, naza ria or alphard.

Besides, IMHO, 170hp is more logical for the 7 or 8 seater type. Not the 5 seater type such as the Matrix.

I expect the exterior design cues are based on the lotus apx as its a working prototype & ready for production but maybe a whole lot toned down for a practical people mover.

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